Acrylamide photoinitiators

ABSTRACT

Acrylamide photoinitiators are provided, in which a photoinitiator moiety and an acrylamide are incorporated into the photoinitiator structure.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to photoinitiators with an acrylamide functionality. The photoinitiators can be readily synthesised and are stable in acidic environments.

BACKGROUND

Curing via ultraviolet (UV) radiation requires efficient methods of initiating the chemical reaction responsible for the curing process. Photoinitiators convert radiation into chemical energy, and are employed in many cases to promote curing of various materials.

Despite previous efforts, there remains a need for novel photoinitiators which can be easily synthesised and which are chemically stable, especially in acidic environments.

SUMMARY

A photoinitiator of the general formula (I) is thus provided:

in which R¹, R² and Z are as defined herein, and in which Pi is a photoinitiator, preferably a Norrish type-I photoinitiator moiety.

Photoinitiators having the general formula (I) avoid potentially acid-sensitive groups, in particular esters in the Z-linker.

A method for synthesising the photoinitiators of the general formula (I) is also provided.

Further aspects are presented in the following description and dependent claims.

FIGURES

FIGS. 1a-1 c show possible synthetic routes to photoinitiators of general formula (I).

DETAILED DISCLOSURE Definitions

In the following, when a part of a molecule is described as “optionally substituted” it is meant that said part may be substituted by one or more substituents selected from: C₁-C₆ linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, aryl, —OH, —CN, halogens, amines, amides, alcohols, ethers, thioethers, sulfones and derivatives thereof, sulfoxides and derivatives thereof, carbonates, isocyanates, nitrates and acrylates. Notably, when Z is C₁-C₁₂ alkylene substituted with a C₁-C₆ alkyl substituent, said C₁-C₆ alkyl substituent may form one or more rings with the photoinitiator moiety Pi.

The term “heterocyclyl” means a non-aromatic saturated monocyclic or multicyclic ring system comprising about 3 to about 10 ring atoms, preferably about 5 to about 10 ring atoms, in which one or more of the atoms in the ring system is an element other than carbon, for example nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, alone or in combination. Preferred heterocyclyls contain about 5 to about 6 ring atoms. The prefix aza, oxa or thia before the heterocyclyl root name means that at least a nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atom respectively is present as a ring atom. The heterocyclyl can be optionally substituted as described above. The nitrogen or sulfur atom of the heterocyclyl can be optionally oxidized to the corresponding N-oxide, S-oxide or S,S-dioxide. Non-limiting examples of suitable monocyclic heterocyclyl rings include piperidyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiazolidinyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl, 1,4-dioxanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, and the like.

The term “alkylene” is used in the following to specify moieties derived from alkanes in which two H atoms have been removed to form a diradical species. The simplest alkylene is methylene —CH₂—, and other alkylenes include ethylene —CH₂—CH₂—, propylene —C₃H₆— and butylene —C₄H₈—. The term “alkylene” includes branched, linear and cyclic alkylenes, with branched alkylenes being most preferred. An alkylene which is a C₁-C₁₂ alkylene is one which contains between 1 and 12 carbon atoms. Preferred alkylenes contain between 1 and 6 carbon atoms (i.e. C₁-C₆ alkylenes).

The term “alkenylene” is used in the following to specify moieties derived from alkenes in which two H atoms have been removed to form a diradical species. Examples include ethyenylene —CH₂═CH₂— and propenylene —C₃H₄— moieties. The term “alkenylene” includes branched, linear and cyclic alkenylene, with linear alkenylene being most preferred.

The terms “aryl” or “arylene” are used to define an unsaturated cyclic system which contains a delocalised π-electron system about the ring. Aryl or arylene groups may comprise from 4-12 atoms, suitably from 6-8 atoms, most suitably 6 atoms. “Aryl” is preferably phenyl (—C₆H₅). Arylene is used to define a disubstituted aryl moiety, and is preferably phenylene.

The terms “aryl” or “arylene” in the present invention is also used to include unsaturated heterocycles—rings in which one or more atoms in the ring (e.g. 1-3 atoms) are N, S, P or O. Such heterocycles include pyrrole, furan, thiophene, imidazole, imidazoline, pyrazole, pyrazoline, oxazole, oxazoline, isoxazole, isoxazoline, thiazole, thiazoline, isothiazole, isothiazoline (5-membered rings), pyridine, pyran, thiopyran (6-membered rings).

The term “aryl” also includes fused ring systems and biaryl (particularly biphenyl) systems.

Curing

Curing is primarily initiated by exposing the substances to high energy irradiation, preferably UV light. The photoinitiated process takes place by methods which are known per se, through irradiation with light or UV irradiation in the wavelength range from 100 to 500 nm. Irradiation sources which may be used are sunlight or artificial lamps or lasers. Mercury high-pressure, medium pressure or low-pressure lamps and xenon and tungsten lamps, for example, are advantageous. Similarly, excimer, solid-state and diode-based lasers are advantageous. Diode-based light sources in general are advantageous for initiating the chemical reactions.

The ultraviolet spectrum is divided into A, B and C segments where UV A extend from 400 nm down to 315 nm, UV B from 315 to 280 nm, and UV C from 280 to 100 nm. By using a light source that generates light with wavelengths in the visible region (400 to 800 nm) some advantages are obtained with respect to the depth of the curing, provided that the photoinitiator can successfully cure the material at these wavelengths. In particular, scattering phenomena are less pronounced at longer wavelength, thus giving a larger penetration depth in the material. Thus, photoinitiators which absorb, and can induce curing, at longer wavelength are of interest. By judicially choosing substituents on the photoinitiator moieties, the absorption spectrum of the photoinitiator can to some extent be red-shifted, which would then facilitate curing at comparatively greater depths.

Photoinitiators and Photoinitiator Moieties

The present invention provides photoinitiators having the general formula (I):

in which Pi is a photoinitiator moiety; Z is a linker moiety selected from a single bond, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkenylene; —O—; —S—; —NR^(a)—; —CO—NR^(a)—; optionally substituted heterocyclyl; optionally substituted arylene; optionally substituted —[O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-, optionally substituted —[NHR¹—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n); optionally substituted —[S—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-; and combinations thereof; wherein n is an integer from 1-20, and wherein R^(a) is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; R¹ is selected from H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; R² is selected from H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; wherein R² or a part thereof may be linked to Z to form one or more ring structures.

A photoinitiator is defined as a substance (other than a reactant) which, on absorption of light, generates reactive species (ions or radicals) and initiates one or several chemical reactions or transformation. One preferred property of the photoinitiator is good overlap between the UV light source spectrum and the photoinitiator absorption spectrum. Another desired property is a minor or no overlap between the photoinitiator absorption spectrum and the intrinsic combined absorption spectrum of the other components in the matrix. Good compatibility of the photoinitiator in the matrix of material to be cured is also a property of interest.

The photoinitiators with the general formula I comprise a photoinitiator moiety, Pi, which provides the photoinitiators with the required response to UV radiation.

The photoinitiator moieties of the invention are efficient in transforming light from the UV or visible light source to reactive radicals which can abstract hydrogen atoms and other labile atoms from other molecules.

Radical photoinitiator moieties can be classified as either cleavable (Norrish type I reaction) or non-cleavable. Upon excitation, Norrish Type-I photoinitiator moieties spontaneously break down into two radicals. In one aspect, the photoinitiator moiety is a Norrish Type-I photoinitiator moiety.

Photoinitiator moieties (Pi) in Formula (I) may be selected from, but not exclusively restricted to, the group consisting: benzoin ethers, 1-phenyl-2-hydroxy-2-alkyl ketones, 1-phenyl-2-amino-2-alkyl ketones, benzophenones, thioxanthones, xanthones, acridones, anthraquinones, fluorenones, dibenzosuberones, benzils, benzil ketals, acetophenones, α-alkoxy-acetophenones, α,α-dialkoxy-acetophenones, α-hydroxy-α-alkyl-phenones, α-hydroxy-α,α-dialkyl-phenones, alkyl phenylglyoxylates, camphorquinones, acyl-phosphine oxides, phenyl ketocoumarins.

Of these, preferred photoinitiator moieties are selected from acetophenones, α-alkoxy-acetophenones, α,α-dialkoxy-acetophenones, α-hydroxy-α-alkyl-phenones, α-hydroxy-α,α-dialkyl-phenones and alkyl phenylglyoxylates.

In particular, Pi may be a Norrish Type-I photoinitiator moiety having the general formula (V):

-(Ph)-(X)_(m)  (V)

wherein Ph is an optionally-substituted phenyl ring; wherein m is an integer of 1-5, such that m X moieties may be present at any position on Ph; and wherein X is selected from

in which R is selected from H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl.

In general formula (V), X is suitably present at the para-position on Ph. Suitably, m is 1 or 2, preferably 1.

Linker, Z

The portion of the photoinitiator of Formula (I) indicated by Z is a linker. Linker Z therefore has two ends. At one end, therefore, Z is joined to the photoinitiator moiety Pi; at the other end, Z is joined to an acrylamide functionality.

The size of the linker Z is selected according to the desired properties of the photoinitiator. Suitably, the linker Z has a molecular weight of less than 10000 Da, suitably less than 5000 Da, most suitably less than 1000 Da. The linker Z preferably comprises no more than 50 atoms, preferably no more than 30 atoms.

In the photoinitiators of Formula (I) above, Z is a linker moiety. Z is be selected from a single bond, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkenylene; —O—; —S—; —NR^(a)—; —CO—NR^(a)—; optionally substituted heterocyclyl; optionally substituted arylene; optionally substituted —[O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-, optionally substituted —[NHR¹—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n); optionally substituted —[S—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-; and combinations thereof; wherein n is an integer from 1-20, and wherein R^(a) is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl. The definition of Z excludes ester moieties, which may be susceptible to cleavage under certain conditions.

Suitably, n is an integer from 1-10, more suitably from 1-5, such as e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

In particular embodiments, linker Z may have the structure:

—C(R³)(R⁴)-Za-

in which the —C(R³)(R⁴)— moiety is linked to the acrylamide N-atom in formula (I); wherein Za is a linker moiety selected from a single bond, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkenylene; —O—; —S—; —NR^(a)—; —CO—NR^(a)—; optionally substituted heterocyclyl; optionally substituted arylene; optionally substituted —[O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-, optionally substituted —[NHR¹—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n); optionally substituted —[S—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-; and combinations thereof; wherein n is an integer from 1-20, and wherein R^(a) is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; wherein R³ or R⁴, or a part thereof, may be linked to Za to form one or more ring structures. R³ and R⁴ may independently be selected from optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, such as C₁-C₆ alkyl, e.g. methyl, ethyl or propyl, preferably methyl. In aspects, R³ and R⁴ are the same.

Photoinitiators with such linkers may be advantageously synthesised via the Ritter reaction (cf. FIG. 1c). Advantageously, for the Ritter reaction, R³ and R⁴ are not hydrogen. For the Ritter reaction, R₂═H.

In that Z may comprise a combination of the above-mentioned groups, the invention encompasses photoinitiators in which Z is made up of two or more of the above-mentioned groups in series. In all of the above, the —(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)- and -aryl- groups may be substituted or unsubstituted. Other chemically-feasible structures for Z can be determined by the person skilled in the art.

Suitably, Z is selected from a single bond, C₁-C₁₂ alkylene, C₁-C₁₂ alkenylene; —O—; —S—; —NR^(a)—; or —[O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-, wherein R^(a) is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl and n is an integer from 1-20. In aspects, Z is selected from a single bond, C₁-C₁₂ alkylene or —O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)-, such as C₁-C₆ alkylene or —O—(C₁-C₆ alkylene)-.

Similarly, Za may be selected from a single bond, C₁-C₁₂ alkylene, C₁-C₁₂ alkenylene; —O—; —S—; —NR^(a)—; or —[O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-, wherein R^(a) is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl and n is an integer from 1-20. In aspects, Za is selected from a single bond, C₁-C₁₂ alkylene or —O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)-, such as C₁-C₆ alkylene or —O—(C₁-C₆ alkylene)-.

Photoinitiators of Formula (I) in which Z comprises an electron-donating group adjacent to Pi are advantageous, as this provides opportunities to tailor the UV absorption of the photoinitiator moiety.

Other Substituents

In the photoinitiators of general formula (I), R¹ is suitably H or methyl. R¹ may also be optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, such as e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl or hexyl. R¹ may be straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkyl.

R² is selected from H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; wherein R² or a part thereof may be linked to Z to form one or more ring structures. R² is suitably H.

Further Photoinitiator Structures

A sub-structure which describes photoinitiators of Formula I has the general formula (Ia)

wherein R¹, R², R³, Z, Ph, X, and m are as defined above.

Another sub-structure which describes photoinitiators of Formula (I), has the general formula (Ib):

wherein Za is a linker moiety selected from a single bond, —C₁-C₆ alkylene- or —O—(C₁-C₆ alkylene)-; R¹ and R² are as defined in any one of the preceding claims; R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from H or methyl; X is selected from

In all sub-structures Ia-Ib, suitable variations of Z, R¹ and R² are as set out above.

Suitable photoinitiators according to the invention include:

Photoinitiators according to the invention of particular interest are

Also provided is a method for synthesising the photoinitiators of the general formula (I), in which R²═H, said method comprising the steps of:

-   -   a. reacting an alcohol of the general formula IIa

in which Ph, Z, R³ and R⁴ are as defined herein; with an acrylonitrile of the general formula IIb

in which R¹ is as defined as above; in a Ritter reaction to form an acrylamide of the general formula IIc:

followed by the step of (b) reacting the acrylamide of the general formula IIc in a Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction so as to provide a photoinitiator of the general formula (I).

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1a illustrates a route to photoinitiators of the general formula (I). A primary alcohol containing photoinitiator is first activated as an alkyl bromide, then converted to an alkyl azide. The primary amine functionalised photoinitiator is accessed via a Staudinger reduction of the alkyl azide in the presence of a suitable reducing agent. The amine can be conveniently isolated as a hydrochloride salt. Subsequent reaction with a suitable acid chloride in the presence of a base gives the acrylamide or methacrylamide product.

FIG. 1b illustrates a route to photoinitiators of the general formula (I). A substituted azlactone can be prepared via the cyclisation of an N-acyl-α-amino acid in the presence of a suitable dehydrating agent according to known procedures. Subsequent ring-opening with an amine functionalised photoinitiator gives the acrylamide or methacrylamide product.

FIG. 1c illustrates a route to photoinitiators of the general formula (I). One way to make precursors to the photoinitiator is by the Ritter reaction; FIG. 1c, first step. In the illustrated reaction, a tertiary alcohol is exposed to strong acids to form a carbocation. This then reacts with a nitrile (acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile).

Examples of suitable groups as alternatives to tertiary alcohols include benzylic alcohols, geminal disubstituted alkenes and trisubstituted alkenes. Primary and secondary alcohols and mono- and vicinal di-substituted alkenes can sometimes be used, but usually require harsher reaction conditions and give poorer yields. The tertiary carbocations are most stable and common choices for the Ritter reaction are formed from tertiary alcohols or geminal dialkylated alkenes. An aromatic ring adjacent to the carbocation also has a stabilizing effect and benzylic alcohols may thus be used. It is desirable that the carbocation group does not contain anything that strongly activates the aromatic ring to electrophilic attack.

After the Ritter reaction, the ring is acylated to give the final product (FIG. 1c, second step). Friedel-Crafts acylation with an acid chloride is typically used.

EXAMPLES

FIG. 1a. Synthesis

1-[p-(2-Bromoethoxy)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propanone: 33.64 g TPP (0.15 mol) is weighed to a 1 L flask and dissolved in 120 mL dry DCM. >8 mL Br₂ is added slowly until a yellow colour persists. A white solid precipitates (Ph₃PBr₂). A little TPP is added to get back to colourless. Solution is cooled (ice) and kept under N₂. 2.5 mL TEA is added. 2-Hydroxy-1-[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]-2-methylpropan-1-one (33.64 g, 150 mmol) is dissolved in 450 mL DCM+25 mL TEA. This is then added to the cooled suspension over a period of ˜1 h from an addition funnel, the ice is removed and the setup is left to heat to RT for 2 h. 5 mL AcOH is added, reaction quenched with water and mix extracted with 3×100 mL brine+(100 mL brine+NaHCO₃). Organic phase dried (Na₂SO₄), evaporated to dryness. Dried with oil pump/cold trap (˜1 mBar). To get rid of most of the TPPO: Redissolved in 250 mL ether. This causes precipitation of crystals (TPPO). Cooled (freezer), filter through a cotton plug, rinse with cold ether, evaporate to dryness. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃); 8.07 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 4.36 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 4.23 (s, 1H), 3.67 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 1.63 (s, 6H).

1[p-(2-Azidoethoxy)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propanone: 1-[p-(2-Bromoethoxy) phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propanone is dissolved in 450 mL DMF. NaN₃ (14.6 g, 225 mmol) is added. The mix is heated to 45° C./stirred until mostly clear solution. Heating turned off after 1 h and the reaction is left overnight at RT. DMF is removed (rotavapor 40° C., end pressure 2 mBar). 200 mL ether is added and mix is filtered, cake rinsed with 100 ml ether. Ether removed. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃); 8.08 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 4.24-4.21 (m, 3H), 3.65 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 1.64 (s, 6H).

1-[p-(2-Aminoethoxy)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propanone hydrochloride: TPP (47.2 g, 180 mmol) and all of 1-[p-(2-azidoethoxy)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propanone are dissolved in 220 mL MeOH, and refluxed for 1 h. At the start of the reaction, a strong evolution of gas is observed (N₂). 20 mL water is added and refluxed for 30 min. Left at RT over weekend. MeOH and water is removed (rotavapor), redissolved in 350 mL ether (precipitation of some of the TPPO). Ether-phase filtered (cotton plug), rinsed with an additional 100 mL ether. Product precipitated with HCl(g). Most of the product precipitates as lumps on the side of the flask. The lumps in the flask are dissolved in 150 mL EtOH to a clear solution. 450 mL ether is added slowly (˜1 h) with stirring. The product precipitates as small crystals. The mix is stirred for 30 m, then filtered under N₂, rinsed with 2×50 mL ether and dried (vacuum). Yield 22.76 g (54%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO); 8.39 (br s, 3H), 8.18 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.67 (s, 1H), 4.24 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 3.17 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 1.34 (s, 6H).

1-{2-[p-(2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropionyl)phenoxy]ethylamino}-2-propen-1-one: 1-[p-(2-aminoethoxy)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propanone hydrochloride (15.6 g, 60 mmol) is added to a 500 mL 3-neck flask. Flask is mounted with septum and liebig condenser. The flask is heated (heating block 110° C.) and vacuum is applied for 1 h (end pressure 0.09 mBar) to dry starting material, then purged with N₂. The flask is cooled to RT and a mix of 100 mg BHT+20 mL dry TEA+300 mL DCM is added with cannula. It is stirred until clear solution. Mix is cooled with CO₂(s)/IPA and kept under N₂. 4.97 mL acryloyl chloride is added slowly (10 m) with a syringe pump. The setup is left in the cooling bath overnight. Next morning the setup is at RT. The mix is extracted with acidic saturated NaCl, then with aqueous NaCl/NaHCO₃. DCM phase dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, evaporated to dryness. It is now an oil—when standing at RT it solidifies to a crystalline mass. 200 mL DIPE is added, refluxed for 10 min. This creates a suspension of crystals in solvent. It is then cooled in ice, pressure filtered and rinsed with 30 mL DIPE. The filtrate is returned to the flask, refluxed for 2 m, cooled and filtered. Product is dried (vacuum). Yield 11.5 g (70%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃); 7.99 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 2H), 6.86 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 2H), 6.27 (br s, 1H), 6.24 (dd, J=16.8 and 1.2 Hz, 1H), 6.07 (dd, J=16.8 and 10.4 Hz, 1H), 5.60 (dd, J=10.4 and 1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.08 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 3.72-3.68 (m, 2H), 1.55 (s, 6H).

FIG. 1b. Synthesis

1-[4-(2-Aminoethoxy)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-1-one: Triphenylphosphine (8.69 g, 33.1 mmol) is added to a solution of 1-[4-(2-azidoethoxy)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-1-one (7.50 g, 30.1 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (120 mL) and water (12 mL) and the solution is stirred at room temperature for 18 h. Water (240 mL) is added and the mixture is acidified to pH 1 using 37% aqueous HCl solution. Impurities are extracted into ethyl acetate (3×100 mL) and the organic washes are discarded. The aqueous phase is basified to pH 14 using 20% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, then extracted with ethyl acetate (3×150 mL). The combined organic phases are dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to give the product as a clear liquid (5.70 g, 82%). A ¹H NMR spectrum of the compound (400 MHz, CDCl₃) seems to indicate the formation of a complex mixture of oligomers in solution, nevertheless the product is used in the next step without further purification.

N-[1-({2-[4-(2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropanoyl)phenoxy]ethyl}carbamoyl)-1-methylethyl]prop-2-enamide: 1-[4-(2-Aminoethoxy)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-1-one (4.70 g, 21.1 mmol) is added to a solution of 4,4-dimethyl-2-vinyloxazol-5(4H)-one (4.90 g, 35.3 mmol) in dichloromethane (150 mL) and the solution is stirred at room temperature for 24 h. The mixture is concentrated under reduced pressure to give the crude product. Column chromatography (eluting with 20:1 dichloromethane-methanol) gives the pure product as a colourless liquid (5.01 g, 70%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, d₆-Acetone); 8.24 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (br s, 1H), 7.51 (br s, 1H), 6.98 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.28 (dd, J=16.9 and 10.1 Hz, 1H), 6.11 (dd, J=16.9 and 1.8 Hz, 1H), 5.52 (dd, J=10.1 and 1.8 Hz, 1H), 4.74 (s, 1H), 4.13 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.61-3.55 (m, 2H), 1.50 (s, 6H), 1.49 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, d₆-Acetone); 201.88, 174.87, 164.48, 162.67, 133.11, 132.24, 127.92, 125.24, 114.13, 77.36, 66.96, 57.18, 54.67, 39.00, 24.98. ESI-MS m/z 363.2 [MH⁺].

FIG. 1c. Synthesis

N-(2-Methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-yl)prop-2-enamide: Acrylonitrile (18.0 mL, 0.260 mol) is added to a solution of 2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-propanol (35.0 g, 0.233 mol) in glacial acetic acid (125 mL) at 5-10° C. Concentrated sulfuric acid (13.6 mL, 0.260 mol) is added dropwise while maintaining the reaction temperature at <10° C. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 16 h, then is heated at 60° C. for 6 h. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for a further 16 h then is cooled in an ice bath to <10° C. Water (300 mL) is added while maintaining the temperature at <20° C., then the resulting slurry is stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The resulting solid is collected by filtration, washed successively with water (3×100 mL) and 40-60° C. petroleum ether (3×100 mL) and is dried thoroughly under vacuum to give the pure product as a colourless solid (44.4 g, 94%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃); 7.31-7.23 (m, 3H), 7.13-7.11 (m, 2H), 6.25 (dd, J=16.8 and 1.5 Hz, 1H), 5.97 (dd, J=16.8 and 10.3 Hz, 1H), 5.58 (dd, J=10.3 and 1.5 Hz, 1H), 5.16 (br s, 1H), 3.09 (s, 2H), 1.37 (s, 6H).

Methyl {4-[2-(acryloylamino)-2-methylpropyl]phenyl}(oxo)acetate: Methyl chlorooxoacetate (16.0 mL, 0.174 mol) is added to a solution of N-(2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-yl)prop-2-enamide (25.0 g, 0.123 mol) in dichloromethane (200 mL) at 5-10° C. Aluminium chloride (41.0 g, 0.308 mol) is added portion-wise over 30 minutes and the resulting red solution is stirred at room temperature for 20 h. The resulting heterogeneous slurry is poured into ice water (600 mL) and the mixture is stirred for 15 minutes. Dichloromethane (500 mL) is added and organic materials are extracted into dichloromethane. Combined organic phases are washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (300 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to give the crude product. Recrystallization from tert-butyl methyl ether: hexane gives the pure product as a colourless solid (15.1 g, 42%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃); 7.91 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.27 (dd, J=16.8 and 1.5 Hz, 1H), 6.00 (dd, J=16.8 and 10.3 Hz, 1H), 5.62 (dd, J=10.3 and 1.3 Hz, 1H), 5.21 (br s, 1H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 3.24 (s, 2H), 1.37 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃); 186.07, 165.62, 164.69, 146.86, 131.87, 131.63, 130.95, 130.10, 126.90, 54.55, 53.11, 44.48, 27.90.

Ethyl {4-[2-(acryloylamino)-2-methylpropyl]phenyl}(oxo)acetate: Ethyl chlorooxoacetate (7.80 mL, 69.7 mmol) is added to a solution of N-(2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-yl)prop-2-enamide (10.0 g, 49.8 mmol) in dichloromethane (70 mL) at 5-10° C. Aluminium chloride (16.6 g, 145 mmol) is added portion-wise over 30 minutes and the resulting red solution is stirred at room temperature for 20 h. The heterogeneous slurry is cooled in an ice bath to <10° C. and acetonitrile (20 mL) is added dropwise while maintaining the temperature at <20° C. The resulting homogeneous solution is then poured into ice water (350 mL) and the mixture is stirred for 15 minutes. Dichloromethane (300 mL) is added and organic materials are extracted into dichloromethane. Combined organic phases are washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (200 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated to give the crude product. Recrystallization from tert-butyl methyl ether: hexane gives the pure product as a colourless solid (6.30 g, 42%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃); 7.90 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 6.27 (dd, J=16.8 and 1.4 Hz, 1H), 5.99 (dd, J=16.8 and 10.2 Hz, 1H), 5.62 (dd, J=10.2 and 1.4 Hz, 1H), 5.20 (br s, 1H), 4.43 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.24 (s, 2H), 1.42 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 1.37 (s, 6H).

Abbreviations used: TPP: triphenyl phosphine, DIPE: diisopropyl ether, DCM: dichloromethane, BHT: butylated hydroxytoluene, IPA: isopropanol, TEA: triethyl amine, DMSO: dimethylsulfoxide, EtOH: ethanol, TPPO: triphenylphosphine oxide, DMF: dimethylformamide, MeOH: methanol, AcOH: acetic acid

The photoinitiators are also described in the following numbered aspects:

Aspect 1. A photoinitiator of the formula (I):

in which: Pi is a photoinitiator moiety; Z is a linker moiety selected from a single bond, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkenylene; —O—; —S—; —NR^(a)—; —CO—NR^(a)—; optionally substituted heterocyclyl; optionally substituted arylene; optionally substituted —[O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-, optionally substituted —[NHR¹—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n); optionally substituted —[S—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-; and combinations thereof; wherein n is an integer from 1-20, and wherein R^(a) is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; R¹ is selected from H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; R² is selected from H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; wherein R² or a part thereof may be linked to Z to form one or more ring structures. Aspect 2. The photoinitiator according to aspect 1, wherein linker Z has the structure:

—C(R³)(R⁴)-Za-

in which the —C(R³)(R⁴)— moiety is linked to the acrylamide N-atom in formula (I); wherein Za is a linker moiety selected from a single bond, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkylene, optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkenylene; —O—; —S—; —NR^(a)—; —CO—NR^(a)—; optionally substituted heterocyclyl; optionally substituted arylene; optionally substituted —[O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-, optionally substituted —[NHR¹—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n); optionally substituted —[S—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-; and combinations thereof; wherein n is an integer from 1-20, and wherein R^(a) is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; wherein R³ or R⁴, or a part thereof, may be linked to Za to form one or more ring structures. Aspect 3. The photoinitiator according to aspect 2, wherein R³ and R⁴ are independently selected optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, such as C₁-C₆ alkyl, e.g. methyl, ethyl or propyl, preferably methyl. Aspect 4. The photoinitiator according to any one of aspects 2-3, wherein R³ and R⁴ are the same. Aspect 5. The photoinitiator according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein Z is selected from a single bond, C₁-C₁₂ alkylene, C₁-C₁₂ alkenylene; —O—; —S—; —NR^(a)—; or —[O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-, wherein R^(a) is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl and n is an integer from 1-20. Aspect 6. The photoinitiator according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein Z is selected from a single bond, C₁-C₁₂ alkylene or —O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)-, such as C₁-C₆ alkylene or —O—(C₁-C₆ alkylene)-. Aspect 7. The photoinitiator according to any one of aspects 2-4, wherein Za is selected from a single bond, C₁-C₁₂ alkylene, C₁-C₁₂ alkenylene; —O—; —S—; —NR^(a)—; or —[O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-, wherein R^(a) is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl and n is an integer from 1-20. Aspect 8. The photoinitiator according to aspect 7, wherein Za is selected from a single bond, C₁-C₁₂ alkylene or —O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)-, such as C₁-C₆ alkylene or —O—(C₁-C₆ alkylene)-. Aspect 9. The photoinitiator according to any one of the preceding aspects, in which R¹ is H or methyl, preferably H. Aspect 10. The photoinitiator according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein Pi is a Norrish type-I photoinitiator moiety. Aspect 11. The photoinitiator according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein Pi is selected from the group consisting of: benzoin ethers, 1-phenyl-2-hydroxy-2-alkyl ketones, 1-phenyl-2-amino-2-alkyl ketones, dibenzosuberones, benzils, benzil ketals, acetophenones, α-alkoxy-acetophenones, α,α-dialkoxy-acetophenones, α-hydroxy-α-alkyl-phenones, α-hydroxy-α,α-dialkyl-phenones, alkyl phenylglyoxylates, camphorquinones, acyl-phosphine oxides, phenyl ketocoumarins. Aspect 12. The photoinitiator according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein Pi is a photoinitiator moiety selected from the group consisting of: acetophenones, α-alkoxy-acetophenones, α,α-dialkoxy-acetophenones, α-hydroxy-α-alkyl-phenones, α-hydroxy-α,α-dialkyl-phenones and alkyl phenylglyoxylates. Aspect 13. A photoinitiator according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein Pi is a Norrish Type-I photoinitiator moiety having the general formula (V):

-Ph-(X)_(m)  (V)

wherein Ph is an optionally-substituted phenyl ring; wherein m is an integer of 1-5, such that m X moieties may be present at any position on Ph; and wherein X is selected from

in which R is selected from H or optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl. Aspect 14. The photoinitiator according to aspect 13, wherein said X is present at the para-position on Ph. Aspect 15. The photoinitiator according to any one of aspects 13-14, wherein m is 1 or 2, preferably 1. Aspect 16. The photoinitiator according to any one of aspects 1-15, having the general formula (Ia):

wherein R¹, R², R³, Z, X, and m are as defined in any one of aspects 1-15. Aspect 17. The photoinitiator according to any one of aspects 1-16, having the general formula (Ib):

wherein Za is a linker moiety selected from a single bond, —C₁-C₆ alkylene- or —O—(C₁-C₆ alkylene)-; R¹ and R² are as defined in any one of the preceding aspects; R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from H or methyl; X is selected from

Aspect 18. A photoinitiator according to any one of aspects 1-17, being selected from:

Aspect 19. A method for synthesising the photoinitiators of the general formula (I), in which R²═H, said method comprising the steps of:

-   -   a. reacting an alcohol of the general formula IIa

in which Za, R³ and R⁴ are as defined in any one of aspects 1-18; with an acrylonitrile of the general formula IIb

in which R¹ is as defined in any one of aspects 1-17; in a Ritter reaction to form an acrylamide of the general formula IIc:

followed by the step of (b) reacting the acrylamide of the general formula IIc in a Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction so as to provide a photoinitiator of the general formula (I).

Although the invention has been described with reference to a number of examples and reaction schemes, it should not be considered as limited by the above description. The full scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. 

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A method for synthesising the photoinitiators of the general formula (I),

wherein R¹ comprises H or an optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; PI is a photoinitiator; and R² comprises H or an optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl, said method comprising steps a) and b): wherein step a) comprises reacting an alcohol of the general formula IIa

wherein Za is a linker moiety comprising a single bond, C₁-C₁₂ alkylene, C₁-C₁₂ alkenylene, —O—, —S—, —NR^(a)—, or —[O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)]_(n)-, wherein R^(a) is H or optionally a substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl and n is an integer from 1-20; and R³ and R⁴ are each independently a H or an optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; wherein R³ or R⁴, or a portion of R³ or R⁴, can be linked to Z_(a) to form one or more ring structures; with an acrylonitrile of the general formula IIb

wherein R¹ comprises H or an optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl; in a Ritter reaction to form an acrylamide of the general formula IIc:

wherein step b) comprises reacting the acrylamide of the general formula IIc in a Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction to provide the photoinitiator of formula (I).
 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein R³ and R⁴, each independently, comprise an optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl.
 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein R³ and R⁴, each independently, comprise methyl, ethyl or propyl alkyl groups.
 22. The method according to claim 20, wherein R³ and R⁴ are the same alkyl groups.
 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein R³ and R⁴ comprise methyl, ethyl or propyl alkyl groups.
 24. The method according to claim 18, wherein Z_(a) comprises a single bond, C₁-C₁₂ alkylene, or a —O—(C₁-C₁₂ alkylene)-.
 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein Z_(a) comprises a C₁-C₆ alkylene or a —O—(C₁-C₆ alkylene)-.
 26. The method according to claim 25, wherein Z_(a) comprises a —CH₂—O— and R³ and R⁴ are both H.
 27. The method according to claim 19, wherein R¹ is H or methyl.
 28. The method according to claim 19, wherein R² is H or methyl.
 29. The method according to claim 19, wherein the PI is a Norrish type-I photoinitiator moiety.
 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the PI comprises benzoin ethers, 1-phenyl-2-hydroxy-2-alkyl ketones, 1-phenyl-2-amino-2-alkyl ketones, dibenzosuberones, benzils, benzil ketals, acetophenones, α-alkoxy-acetophenones, α,α-dialkoxy-acetophenones, α-hydroxy-α-alkyl-phenones, α-hydroxy-α,α-dialkyl-phenones, alkyl phenylglyoxylates, camphorquinones, acyl-phosphine oxides or phenyl ketocoumarins.
 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the PI comprises acetophenones, α-alkoxy-acetophenones, α,α-dialkoxy-acetophenones, α-hydroxy-α-alkyl-phenones, α-hydroxy-α,α-dialkyl-phenones or alkyl phenylglyoxylates.
 32. The method according to claim 29, wherein the PI is a Norrish Type-I photoinitiator moiety having the general formula (V): -Ph-(X)_(m)  (V) wherein Ph is an optionally-substituted phenyl ring; wherein m is an integer of 1-5, such that one or more X moieties can be present at any position on Ph; and wherein X is selected from

wherein R is selected from H or an optionally substituted C₁-C₆ alkyl.
 33. The method according to claim 32, wherein m is 1 and the X is present at the para-position on Ph.
 34. The method according to claim 19, wherein formula (I) comprises one or more of: 